Colleen Cushing receives SUNY Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award

Fort Plain School Counselor Colleen Cushing has been honored with a State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award for exemplifying excellence in her work with students.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the awards on June 15, recognizing Cushing and just 53 fellow educators statewide “for their impressive skillset as an educator and commitment to success for all of their students.”

The Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award includes a $5,000 stipend from SUNY that recipients can apply toward professional learning opportunities to continue to develop their knowledge and skills to further support student growth. Recipients are also offered opportunities for: sharing insights on their teaching practices, curriculum and instruction; professional learning; and working with regional development leaders, university leaders, policymakers and school leaders to advise them on education trends.

In announcing the awards, Gov. Hochul said, “Before, throughout, and as we move past this pandemic, teachers have selflessly shown up for our kids and deserve our immense gratitude. It is impossible to recognize each one for their hard work and effort, but I am pleased to congratulate 54 outstanding educators for their commitment to their students. They embody the values and mindset that every educator should have, and I applaud them for inspiring thousands of children across our great state.”

The recipients were named after an extensive award application process that involved several New York State professional education associations.